Combined latch and handle structure



p 20, 1966 A. c. KALZ 3,273,747

COMBINED LATCH AND HANDLE STRUCTURE Filed March 27, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ANTHONY C. KALZ cre u Mod ATTORNEY.

FIG. 3.

Sept. 20, 1966 A. c. KALZ COMBINED LATCH AND HANDLE STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet E,

Filed March 27, 1964 IJI INVENTOR- ANTHONY C. KALZ ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,273,747 COMBINED LATCH AND HANDLE STRUCTURE Anthony C. Kalz, St. Louis, Mo., assignor to Schlueter Manufacturing Company, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Filed Mar. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 355,347 12 Claims. (Cl. 220-95) This invention relates generally to improvements in a combined latch and handle structure, and more particularly to an improved device of this type adapted for use on a container such as a water cooler.

It is an important object to provide a selectively movable latch handle on a container which can perform the dual function of a handle that can be gripped to carry or lift the container and of a clamp that will hold the container lid securely in place even when the container is being supported by the latch handle.

An important object is achieved by the provision of a latch handle that is pivotally mounted to the container and selectively movable to a clamp position in which the latch handle engages the lid to maintain the lid closed, and by the provision of means on the container which engages the latch handle to maintain the latch handle selectively in the clamping position.

Another important object is realized by the stnlctural arrangement that enables the latch handle to disengage selectively from the holding means provided on the container upon pivotal movement from the clamping position, whereby to release the lid.

Still another important objective is afforded by making the distance between the pivot axis of the latch handle and that portion of the holding means on the container slightly greater than the distance between the pivot axis and that portion of the latch handle engaging the holding means, whereby the latch handle must be snapped over the holding means and whereby a clamping pressure is exerted therebetween which resists any unintentional movement of the latch handle from the clamping position and enables the container to be lifted by the latch handle while so clamped.

An important object is attained by the provision of a substantially U-shaped strap that is fixed to the container and in which the end of the latch handle is pivotally mounted. The strap is pinched about a part of the handle end to define the pivot axis. Another part of the handle end is relatively offset from the pivot axis yet eccentrically movable thereabout so that engagement of the handle end with the strap causes a frictional pressure that tends to hold the latch handle in the closed position.

Another advantage realized by the above mentioned structural relationship of the handle end with the strap is that the resilient character of the handle end allows the latch portion to snap over the keeper shoulder on the contain-er when the latch handle is moved to the closed position and tends to maintain such locking connection.

Another important objective is provided by constructing the latch handle to include an inturned pivot portion and :a grip portion interconnected by a substantially -shaped arm, the reverse portion of which snaps over and engages the keeper rim. Another portion of the 5- shaped arm overlies the lid.

Yet another important object is achieved by making each latch handle of a substantially U-shaped wire having spaced side arms and an intervening grip portion, each side arm having an inturned pivot portion and each side arm being of substantially 5-shape.

An important objective is to provide a combined latch and handle structure that is simple and durable in construction, economical to manufacture and assemble,

highly eflicient in operation, and which can be readily utilized by anyone without any instruction.

The foregoing and numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will more clearly appear from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, particularly when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the latch and handle units on a container;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view as seen along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view as seen along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the handle structure of FIG. 3, but removed from its retaining strap, and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the handle as seen along line 55 of FIG. 4.

Referring now by characters of reference to the drawings, and first to FIG. 1, it will be seen that a pair of lat-ch handles generally referred to at 10 and 11 are utilized with a container 12 that may be of the type utilized as a water cooler. The container 12 includes a cylindrical side wall 13 and a top wall 14 interconnected by an upstanding annular rim 15 constituting a keeper shoulder. The latch handles 10-11 are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the container 12.

As will be understood from FIG. 2, the top wall 14 is provided with an opening 16 that communicates with an internal receptacle 17 adapted to hold water or other material in the container 12. The opening 16 is selectively closed by a circular lid 20 that fits down within the opening 16. The lid 20 includes a laterally extending peripheral flange 21 that fits over the margin defining the opening 16 and engages the top wall 14. A handle 22 is secured to the top of lid 20, such handle 22 being used to place the lid over the opening 16 or to remove the lid 21 from such opening 16 selectively.

The side wall is filled with an insulating material around the receptacle 17 in that the container is used as a water cooler in the disclosed embodiment.

In FIG. 1 the latch handles 10-11 are disclosed in the clamp position in which the latch handles 10-11 maintain the lid 20 in its closed position over the opening 16 and in which such latch handles can be utilized to lift the container 12, if desired.

The pair of latch handles 10-11 are of identical construction so that a detailed description of one will suffice for the other. Accordingly, the details of construction and mounting of the latch handle 10 is shown in FIGS. 2-5.

The latch handle 10 consists of a substantially U- shaped wire including a transverse grip portion 23 and inwardly turned pivot portions 24 and 25 interconnected by substantially 5-shaped side arms 26 and 27. A plastic sleeve 30 is fitted over the grip portion 23 in order to provide a more effective and comfortable gripping area for the users harfd.

For reasons which will later appear, the inturned pivot portions are inclined in particular directions from the planes of the respective integral side portions 26 and 27. For example, in FIG. 4, the pivot portions 24 and 25 are each arranged at an angle slightly less than ninety degrees from the plane of the side portions 26 and 27 when the handle is viewed from the side and when the handle is located in the clamp position illustrated in FIG. 2. The arrows in FIG. 4 indicate an inclination of approximately one to three degrees from the horizontal or from the pivot axis. In addition, when viewed from the top, as shown in FIG. 5, it will be immediately ap parent that the pivot portions 24 and 25 are also arranged in opposite directions out of alignment with each other and with the pivot axis. For example, the pivot portion 24 is turned outwardly (FIG. 5) while the pivot portion 25 is.directed inwardly. As the arrows indicate, the pivot portions 24 and 25 are angularly offset for approximately one to three degrees from the pivot axis.

As a result of the angular disposition of the pivot portions 24 and 25, it will be understood that the ends 31 and 32 of the pivot portions ZAi'and 25 respectively tend to rotate eccentrically about the pivot axis as the latch handle is swung about the pivot axis.

Mounting the latch handle is a U-shaped strap or plate 33 that is fixed to the side wall 13 of container 12. The strap 33 includes a groove 34! extending end-to-end that rotatively receives and journals the pivot portions 21 and 25. As is best seen in FIG. 2, the end portions 35 of the strap 33 defining the groove 34 are pinched about those parts 36 of the pivot portions immediately adjacent the juncture with the side portions 26 and 27, the pinched strap portions 35 constituting a bearing and cooperating with those pivot parts 36 to define the pivot axis of the latch handle 10.

Because the pivot portions 24 and 25 have a resiliency, such piv-ot portions 24 and 25 Will be resiliently bent to conform substantially to the configuration of strap groove 34, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the pivot portions 24 and 25, and especially the eccentric ends 31 and 32, will bear frictionally against the inner surface of the strap groove 34 so as to tend to hold the latch handle 10 in the fully retracted position indicated by broken lines in FIG. 2 or in the clamp position shown in full lines.

From FIG. 2, it is seen that each side handle portion 26 and 27 includes a reversely bent portion 37 with an inner abutment 40 which snaps over and engages an upper and inner keeper shoulder 41 of annular rim 15. The distance between the pivot axis and that abutment 40 of the reversely bent portion 37 is slightly less than the distance between the pivot axis and the keeper shoulder 41 so that the reverse portion 37 snaps over the rim for locking engagement with the keeper shoulder 41. The resiliency of the pivot portions 24 and within the strap groove 34 permits this snapping action and causes a clamping pressure between the reverse portion abutment and the keeper shoulder 41 that tends to preclude accidental or unintentional disengagement of the abutment 4th from keeper shoulder 41 or movement of the latch handle 10 from the clamp position.

Extending forwardly from the reverse portion 37 of each side portion 26 and 27, is a straight wire part 42 that overlies and engages the top Wall 14 and the lid flange 21, when the latch handle 10 is in the clamp position illustrated in FIG. 2. The overlying side wire parts 42 preclude removal of the lid 20 and withdrawal from the opening 16. In addition, engagement of the side wire parts 42 with the top wall 14 and lid flange 21 determines the clamp position of the latch handle 10 and assures that the reverse portion abutment 40 effectively engages the keeper shoulder 41 after being snapped over the annular rim 15.

It is thought that the operation and functional advantages of the latch handles 10411 on the container 12 are fully apparent from the foregoing description of parts, but for completeness of disclosure, such usage will be briefly described.

It will be assumed that the latch handles 10-11 are disposed in the fully retracted, inoperative position suggested by the broken lines in FIG. 2 in which the latch handles 1011 lie downwardly close to the side wall 13. The frictional pressure created by the resilient pivot portions 24 and 25, and more particularly by the eccentric action of the ends 31 and 32, on the strap grooves 34 tends to hold the latch handles 13-11 in such retracted position so that an intentional effort and force must be exerted on the handles to move them from such positions. It is seen that the latch handles 1011 will not rattle on the side wall 13 of the container 12 because they are held firmly in the positions in which they are intentionally disposed.

Furthermore, it will be assumed that the receptacle 17 of the container 12 has been filled and that the lid 20 is placed over and in the opening 16. It is then desired to latch the lid 21} in place and to lift or transport the container 12.

The latch handles 10-11 are each grasped by the grip portion 23 and swung upwardly about the pivot axis defined by the strap portions 35 pinched about the bearing parts 36 of the pivot portions 24 and 25. The reverse portions 37 are forced over the rim 15 in a snapping action as provided by the resilient character of the inturned pivot portions 24} and 25. The ends 31 and 32 move eccentrically about the pivot axis and engage the strap groove 34 to afford this resilient feature. As the reverse portions 37 snap over the rim 15, the straight wire parts 42 will engage the top wall 14 and overlie the lid flange 21. Simultaneously, the abutments 40 clampingly engage the keeper shoulder 41 under pressure, again afforded by the resiliency and the eccentric arrangement of the pivot portions 24 and 25 within the strap grooves 34.

Because of the frictional engagement of the pivot portions 24 and 25 with the strap grooves 34 and because of the clamping pressure between the abutment 40 with the keeper shoulder 41, all provided by the offset or eccentric disposition of the pivot portions 24 and 25, and specifically by the eccentric ends 31 and 32, an effort must be made to disengage and swing the latch handles 10 and 11 from the clamp position illustrated in FIG. 2. At least, sufiicient effort is needed so that it requires a positive act on the part of the user and precludes any unintentional disengagment of the latch handles.

Consequently, the user can grasp the grip portions 23 of the latch handles 119-11, lift the container 12 and transport it. At all times, even during the lifting of the container 12, the lid 20 will be held shut under the clamping action of the latch handles 14) and 11.

To release the latch handles 10 and 11, the user grasps the grip portions 23 and pulls outwardly with sufiicient force to disengage the abutments 40 from the keeper shoulder d1 with a snapping action as caused by the springing or resilient character of the pivot portions 24 and 25. When the latch handles 11) and 11 are moved from the clamping position, or in other words, unlatched from the rim 15, the lid 20 can be removed from the container 12. The latch handles 10 and 11 can then be swung downwardly about the pivot axis to the fully retracted position illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 2.

It will be importantly noted that these latch handles 10 and 11 serve the dual function of clamping the lid 20 in place and of constituting a handle, when disposed in the clamping position, capable of being used to lift the container 12. The eccentric movement of the pivot portion ends 31 and 32 provided by the angular arrangement of such pivot portions 24 and 25 relative to the pivot axes creates a frictional pressure with the strap grooves 34 that requires. a definite and positive force to be exerted on the latch handles 10-11 in order to be overcome incident to movement of such latch handles. Moreover, this angular arrangement of the pivot portions 24 and 25 and the structural and functional cooperation with the strap grooves 34 allow the snapping action of the reverse portions 37 of the latch handles 10-11 with respect to the rim 15 and cause the clamping pressure between the abutments 4th and the keeper shoulder 41 tending to hold the latch handles 1341 in the clamping position. The resilient character of the pivot portions Zd and 25 and the flexing action of such pivot portions as a result of the engagement of the eccentric ends 31 and 32 in the strap grooves 34 contribute to and permit this snapping action and clamping pressure.

within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a combined latch and handle structure:

(a) a container including a top wall and a side wall,

the top wall being provided with an opening,

(b) a lid closing the opening,

(c) :a latch handle including an inturned pivot portion and a grip portion interconnected by a substantially S-shaped arm,

(d) means pivotally mounting the pivot portion to the side Wall,

(e) a keeper shoulder on the container,

(f) the S-shaped arm having a reverse portion that fits over and engages the keeper shoulder to maintain the latch handle selectively in a clamp position, and

(g) the 5-shaped arm having another portion that overlies the lid to hold the lid in place when the latch handle is in the clamp position.

2. A combined latch and handle structure as defined in claim 1, in which:

(h) the distance between the pivot axis of the pivot portion and the keeper shoulder is greater than the distance between the pivot axis and that part of the reverse portion of the S-shaped arm engaging the keeper shoulder so that the reverse portion snaps over the shoulder and is held in place under pressure.

3. A combined =latch and handle structure as defined in claim 1, in which:

in claim 1, in which:

(h) the means pivotally mounting the inturned pivot portion includes a substantially U-shaped strap fixed to the container, the pivot portion of the latch handle being located in the U-shaped strap,

(i) the strap being pinched about part of the pivot portion to define a pivot axis, another part of the pivot portion being located away from the pivot axis yet eccentrically moved about such axis to bear against the U-shaped strap upon movement of the latch handle to and from the closed position.

5. A combined latch and handle structure as defined in claim 4, in which:

(j) the inturned pivot portion is inclined a few degrees out of alignment from the pivot axis so as to engage the U-shaped strap eccentrically upon pivotal movement of the latch handle to and from the closed position, the inturned pivot portion creating a downward force on the latch handle tending to hold the reverse portion in locking engagement with the keeper shoulder.

6. In a combined latch and handle structure:

(a) a container including a top wall and a side wall,

the top wall being provided with an opening,

(b) a lid closing the opening,

(c) a substantially U-shaped latch handle including side arms and an intervening grip portion, each side arm having an inturned pivot portion,

(d) means pivotally mounting the pivot portions to the side wall,

(e) a keeper shoulder on the container,

(f) each side arm of the latch handle being of substantially S-shape with a reverse portion that fits over and engages the keeper shoulder to maintain the latch handle selectively in a clamp position, and

(g) each 5-shaped arm having another portion that overlies the lid to hold the lid in place when the latch handle is in the clamp position.

7. A combined latch and handle structure as defined in claim 6, in which:

(h) the inturned pivot portions are inclined a few degrees out of alignment from the pivot axis to provide eccentrically movable ends engaging the mounting means to provide a downward force on the latch handle tending to hold the reverse portions of the S-shaped side arms in looking engagement with the keeper shoulder.

8. A combined latch and handle structure as defined in claim 6, in which:

(h) the distance between the pivot axis of the latch handle and the keeper shoulder is greater than the distance between the pivot axis and the reverse portions of the S-shaped side arms engageable with the keeper shoulder, the pivot portions resiliently engaging the U-shaped strap to allow the reverse portions to snap over the keeper shoulder and to urge the reverse portions tightly against the keeper shoulder upon movement to the closed position.

9. A combined latch and handle structure as defined in claim 6, in which:

in claim 9, in which:

(i) the keeper shoulder consists of a peripheral rim about the top wall, the distance between the pivot axis of the latch handles and the rim is greater than the distance between the pivot axis and the reverse portions of the latch handles engaging the rim,

(j) the pivot portions of the latch handles resiliently engaging the pivot means to allow the reverse portions of the latch handles to snap over the rim for interengagement when the latch handles are moved to the closed position, the resilient pivot portions creating a downward force tending to hold the reverse portions of the latch handles tightly against the rim and tending to maintain the latch handles in the closed position.

11. In a combined latch and handle structure:

(a) a container including a top wall and a side wall having an intervening peripheral rim, the top wall being provided with an opening,

(b) a lid closing the opening,

(c) a pair of substantially U-shaped latch handles at diametrically opposed sides of the container,

(d) each latch handle including spaced. side arms and an intervening grip portion, each side arm having an inturned pivot portion, each side arm being of substantially 5-shape with a reverse portion selectively engageable with the rim to maintain the latch handle selectively in a clamp position,

(e) a substantially U-shaped strap fixed to diametrically opposed sides of the container, each strap pivotally mounting and receiving the pivot portions of one latch handle, each strap being pinched about part of each pivot portion to define a pivot axis for the latch handle,

(f) the inturned pivot portions of each latch handle being inclined substantially a few degrees out of alignment from the pivot axis, the pivot portions resiliently engaging the strap to create a downward force on the latch handle allowing the reverse portions to snap over the rim for interengagement and tending to hold the reverse portions tightly against the rim when the latch handle is moved to the clamp position,

(g) the distance between the pivot axis of each latch handle and the rim being greater than the distance between the pivot axis and the reverse portions engaging the rim so as to provide a clamping pressure therebetween, and

(h) the substantially fiat portions of the side arms of each latch handle forwardly of the reverse portions engaging the top wall and engaging the lid to hold the lid in place when the latch handle is in the clamp position.

12. In a combined latch and handle structure:

(a) a container provided with an opening,

(b) a lid closing the opening,

(0) a latch handle including an inturned pivot portion and a grip portion interconnected by an arm,

(d) means pivotally mounting the pivot portion to the container,

(e) a keeper shoulder on the container,

(f) the arm having a portion that fits over and engages the keeper shoulder to maintain the latch handle selectively in a clamped position, and

(g) the arm having another portion that overlies the lid to hold the lid in place when the latch handle is in the clamped position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 815,983 3/1906 Sherman 16-126 1,026,093 5/1912 Johnson 22096 2,741,398 4/1956 Riener 220-95 LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner.

THERON E. CONDON, Examiner.

G. T. HALL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A COMBINED LATCH AND HANDLE STRUCTURE: (A) A CONTAINER INCLUDING A TOP WALL AND A SIDE WALL, THE TOP WALL BEING PROVIDED WITH AN OPENING, (B) A LID CLOSING THE OPENING, (C) A LATCH HANDLE INCLUDING AN INTURNED PIVOT PORTION AND A GRIP PORTION INTERCONNECTED BY A SUBSTANTIALLY 5-SHAPED ARM, (D) MEANS PIVOTALLY MOUNTING THE PIVOT PORTION TO THE SIDE WALL, (E) A KEEPER SHOULDER ON THE CONTAINER, (F) THE 5-SHAPED ARM HAVING A REVERSE PORTION THAT FITS OVER AND ENGAGES THE KEEPER SHOULDER TO MAINTAIN THE LATCH HANDLE SELECTIVELY IN A CLAMP POSITION, AND (G) THE 5-SHAPED ARM HAVING ANOTHER PORTION THAT OVERLIES THE LID TO HOLD THE LID IN PLACE WHEN THE LATCH HANDLE IS IN THE CLAMP POSITION. 